HEARTY BEEF AND BARLEY VEGETABLE STEW
This Hearty Beef and Barley Vegetable Stew is the perfect blend of comfort, nutrition and simplicity. Tender chunks of lean stewing beef are simmered gently with pearl barley, carrots, celery and a savoury broth to create a thick and satisfying meal. Ideal for cooler days, it delivers a warming depth of flavour while offering a balanced mix of protein, fibre and essential nutrients. The barley adds a subtle chew, absorbing the rich flavours of the slow-cooked ingredients. Whether you’re after a nourishing solo dinner, a make-ahead meal or a freezer-friendly option, this one-pot wonder is an excellent choice. It uses minimal ingredients without compromising on flavour, making it easy to prepare, even on busy days. Perfect for those seeking comfort without fuss, this stew proves that wholesome meals can be both simple and incredibly delicious.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
British
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stew
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Soup / Stew
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Hearty Beef And Barley Vegetable Stew:
- 100 g lean stewing beef, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup pearl barley, rinsed
- ½ cup diced carrot and celery (¼ cup each)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 450.1 kilocalories
- Fat: 19.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.1 grams
- Carbohydrates: 42.5 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Fibre: 10.9 grams
- Sodium: 1161.5 milligrams
- Protein: 28.4 grams
- Cholesterol: 63 milligrams
- Calcium: 84.6 milligrams
- Potassium: 938.7 milligrams
- Iron: 4.3 milligrams
- Vitamin D: 0.1 micrograms
- Trans Fat: 0.2 grams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Hearty Beef And Barley Vegetable Stew:
- Sear The Beef: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes until browned.
- Add The Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly soften and bring out the vegetable’s sweetness.
- Add Broth And Barley: Pour in the broth and add the rinsed pearl barley. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Gently: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
- Season And Serve: Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot in a deep bowl, optionally with a slice of whole grain bread.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
55 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Hearty Beef And Barley Vegetable Stew:
- Choose Lean Beef: Opt for lean stewing beef for better texture and less grease in the stew.
- Soak The Barley: Soaking the barley for 30 minutes before cooking can slightly reduce the cooking time.
- Use A Non-Stick Or Enamelled Pan: This prevents sticking when searing the meat without needing excess oil.
- Make Ahead: Cook the stew a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Flavours deepen beautifully by the next day.
- Skim Off Excess Fat: Once cooled, any fat will rise to the top and can easily be removed.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free: Replace pearl barley with brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
- Vegetable-Rich: Add diced parsnip, swede or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
- Spiced Option: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin for an earthy depth.
- Herbed Twist: Add a bay leaf or sprigs of thyme during cooking for a fragrant herbal note.
- Larger Portion: Double the ingredients to create a family-sized batch for batch cooking or meal prep.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water until fully heated.
- Meal Prep Tip: Freeze in individual portions to have ready-to-go lunches or dinners for busy days.